Whether you are a patient or visitor at West Hills Hospital & Medical center, we want your experience with us to be as pleasant as possible. We have provided helpful information to help you during your stay or while visiting a patient in the hospital.

Medications for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Different medications for
GERD/heartburn
work in different ways. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of over the counter and prescription medications to help treat and control your GERD/heartburn.

PPIs block stomach acid production created by the stomach’s acid-making cells. By greatly decreasing the amount of stomach acid, PPIs reduce the symptoms of GERD and help prevent damage that occurs from acid reflux into the esophagus.

Increased risk of fracture in older adults, especially in people who take PPIs in high doses for longer than a year

H-2 Blockers

Common brand names include:

Cimetidine

Famotidine

Nizatidine

Ranitidine

H-2 blockers decrease the amount of acid secreted by the stomach by blocking histamine release. This decrease in stomach acid reduces the symptoms of GERD and helps prevent damage to the esophagus that acid reflux can cause.

Side effects may include:

Headache

Diarrhea

Nausea

Drowsiness

Confusion

Antacids

Common brand names include:

Alka-Seltzer

Maalox Advanced Regular Strength

Pepto-Bismol

Tums

Rolaids

Mylanta

Antacids are a combination of 3 basic salts—magnesium, calcium, and aluminum—combined with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions. Antacids come in chewable tablet and liquid forms. Antacids help control the symptoms of GERD by
neutralizing stomach acid.

Prokinetics help control acid reflux by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and/or
emptying the contents of the stomach faster. This shortens the time during which reflux can occur. Prokinetics are usually given along with other GERD/heartburn medications.

Side effects may include:

Drowsiness

Restlessness

Diarrhea

Nausea

Special Considerations

Take your medications as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Ask what side effects could occur. Discuss them with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the medication.

Plan ahead for refills if you need them.

Do not share your medication with anyone.

Drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor if you are taking more than one drug, including over the counter products and supplements.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.